Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Not Like My PR5 or Speed3 - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By mustangleader4 - June 8 - 11:53 pm

  I hated to sell my 2002 PR5 which drove like a sport car ... was a Miata in wagon. It had 234M and worried about breaking down on long trips My 2014 3 rides quieter (not a bad thing), gets better gas mileage 40 vs 30 highway but not as fun driving as the PR5. For me, this car drives "numb" ... I cant a feel of it because its so smooth. I owned a 2007 Speed 3 as well so my other Mazdas were sporty, drivers car. If you want a "smooth", sporty Vanilla car with very good gas mileage, I recommend this car. 2.0 has strong enough power for my needs, but do miss the other cars.

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  RX-8 Fan - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Zman - June 7 - 4:10 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned and that covers a lot. Every time I drive it I get a smile on my face. It has performed well on long and short trips. It is a rotary, so there are the normal maintanence issues and lower mileage than I would like. But I knew that when I bought it and I am already planning my next RX-8 purchase in a couple years. I recommend that you do not test drive this car unless you are ready to buy one, because you will want it!

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  Great car with a few quirks - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By dementedcx - June 6 - 5:48 pm

  We bought this car a little over a month ago, Traded a 2008 Scion TC for it cause our little family had grown by 1 more. Aside from the MPGs I have no real complaints about it. The brakes needed changed at less than 30K but i undertook that task myself & it has a slight vibration at 50-60mph that im still trying to track down. But its an amazing car to own, its fast & sporty. The older kids (6&8) absolutely love it, Just wish i had gotten one with more options.

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  2002 Protege DX - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Siege - June 6 - 5:43 pm

  I bought a used black 2002 Mazda Protege DX last year. It was a very good price, and had low miles. I must say that this car is wonderful in many ways. Not only is it a great looking car on both the outside and inside, but its also got a little zip to it. Air conditioning works great, and the bass is nice when turning up the music. I found the performance very good for this type of car, and I enjoy speeding off when the light turns green. Granted this is no sports car and it wont win races, but the reliability and fuel economy, on top of being a great car overall wins me over.

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  Fun to Drive & Useful - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NiCkIsThEmAn - June 5 - 6:40 am

  I am a previous owner of a 2000 Grand Prix Supercharged. After driving that torque monster this car is slow off the line, but the power above 3500 is decent. This is no stoplight blaster nor is it a slug. The 2.3L has enough juice to merge and pass at speed. The suspension/handling is excellent, even on the busted-up streets here in the Northeast. Build quality is solid. I do 80% city or heavy traffic driving and this car gets the job done. I love to have cargo capacity without having to drive a big slow gas-guzzler-box. If you are looking for a fun-to-drive, versatile car with decent fuel economy, this may be the one for you.

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  Is it a sports car or suv? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Jer - June 4 - 5:23 pm

  I have had a lot of fun in my CX-7. It is just the vehicle, I have been looking for for a long time. It drives like a dream. Very well designed inside and out.

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  Millenium Gem - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By May - June 4 - 10:00 am

  A beautiful, reliable, luxury car. It has been fun to drive and economical with good gas mileage.

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  Quality at a great price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TSHEP - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I considered a civic but this car is better looking inside and out. Its got more power and designed better and I paid a thousand less. Its got a lot of little features that most cars at this price wouldnt dream of. I am averageing 33mpg and have gotten 38mpg on a trip. The car is tight and handles great. It also has plenty of room for its size.

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  maz3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By b ganger - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The car in very fun to drive and very comfortable for the price range. The 5 speed is responsive and suprisingly more powerful than I expected.

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  Best SUV On the Road - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By RJMTZIV - June 3 - 8:33 am

  I have been shopping for a new vehicle for over a year and every time I found a vehicle that sparked my interest, I was let down when I saw the vehicle in person. When I came across the cx9 I loved the styling and after the test drive it was a done deal. The cx9 all the room I was looking for and was a blast to drive. The cx9 is a perfect combination of SUV and sports car.